Unique and first of its kind website on Indian Scriptures got launched in Nairobi
Ancient age culture meets new age technology to present priceless Indian treasures
January 28, 2013, Nairobi, Kenya:
Today India, in addition to being the largest democracy in the world, is a country of diverse languages, regional dance forms, dialects, food habits, political parties, and musical gharanas. Since past thousands of years, it has been the land of rituals, traditions, scriptures, practices, manuscripts, shlokas, mantras, and more. Indian contributions to various fields such as mathematics, medicine, yoga, science, life science, relationships, music, dance forms, and so on, are a result of study, research and experimentation. This wealth of information needs to be passed on to the next generations.
This priceless collection is not easily accessible to everyone and hence, very few of us are aware of its existence and practical importance. This motivated Vaishali Shah, born, brought up and educated in Mumbai- India, to bring old Indian times and new age technology together, in a fascinating manner, on the internet. She holds a post graduate degree in International Business from a reputed business school of India, in addition to possessing degrees such as Master of Commerce from Mumbai University, Diploma in Business Management and Diploma in Web Technologies, all studied in Mumbai and Pune, India. She was running an Internet company successfully in Mumbai before moving to Kenya after marriage. In addition, she has been studying various scriptures on Vedic culture, Itihaas such as Mahabharat, Bhagwad Geeta in various institutes like Chinmaya Mission, Iskon and Oxford University.
https://www.hinduscriptures.com is conceived and created by Vaishali Shah. It is a result of countless hours of research and study, done by Vaishali and her team, to collect genuine and authenticated content for the users. Technological advancements have been put into best use in presenting the content, and the features, in a manner most practical for everyday use. Core content is contributed by authorities in the field and hence authentic and complete. The institutes like Chinmaya Mission, Iskon, Vaidik Sanshodhan Mandal, Sharda Pith and many more in India have contributed the content to the site. USPs of the website are its completeness, authenticity, features, ease of practical use, elegant presentation, opportunity to participate in discussion forums, free registration, various courses available to choose from.
Goal is to create one stop portal for Indian scriptures belonging to various religions such as Hinduism, Sikhism, Jainism, Buddhism and so on, epics and books contributed by renowned gurus, scholars and institutions, compiled and presented in logical, scientific and rational manner. The website is an online platform for people across the globe to connect to scholars and Vedic scientists. They can interact with them and exchange their views and ideas. It is created keeping in view everyone’s needs and hence surfers from all age groups will benefit from it. The site will effectively support who want to save and promote libraries, manuscripts and rare books on Vedic culture. Online live support extended to all users will help clarify their doubts and queries. The website will be the cultural hub on internet with dedicated kids’ zone.
The mega launch event happened on January 28th at Oshwal centre auditorium, Nairobi, Kenya. The event was inaugurated under the auspices of chief guest Goswami Vaishnavacharya 108 Shree Dwarkeshlalji Mahodayashree from Ahmadabad, India, other honourable dignitaries like Umapatidas – chairman of Nairobi, Buddhist monk Wimala Bhanteji in Nairobi, Motivational speaker – Latesh Shah were present. Few political leaders like Hon. Chief whip Jakoyo Midiwo and Hon. Lands Minister James Orengo shared their views and best wishes.
Kamini Thakkar, the owner of a dance school in Nairobi presented the dances along with young girls of Swaminarayan temple and Iskcon temple. The event was attended by many dignitaries of the country.
The event was covered by major news channels of Kenya like KTN and NTV. The event was also got published in Business Daily, Asian Weekly and other prominent newspapers of Kenya. There was an interesting Radio interview of Vaishali Shah on EastFm Radio channel with Parveen Adam at 11 am on 28th January. It got a tremendous response from the Indian listeners not only in Kenya but also from viewers of other countries.
Opening of Shiv Temple in Kibigori in Kenya
LOCATION: KIBIGORI
DATE: 12th JULY- 15th JULY 2013
DONE BY VAISHALI AND KAMAL SHAH AND SHRIVEDANT FOUNDATION
A grand temple for lord Shiva was inaugurated in the town of Kibigori near Kenya last week. The temple project initiated and carried out by Sri Kamal Shah and Vaishali Shah of Shrivedant Foundation stands as a shining jewel beckoning devotees from far and wide. The deities specially sculpted for the temple were crafted by master artisans from Jaipur in India and brought to Kenya. Overseeing all the arrangements, Vaishali Shah ensured that every aspect of the four day function went off smoothly with clock wise precision and all the requirements for the installation were thoroughly fulfilled. All the devotees from Kenya participated wholeheartedly as there was an open invitation for them to take part in the auspicious function and be blessed by lord Shiva.
An overwhelming three thousand people attended the festivities spread over four days. The installation ceremony and all the rituals were presided over by Acharya Yashwant Maharaj from Nairobi. He was ably assisted by a team of eleven purohits.
Earlier the inauguration of the Shiv temple at Kibigori got off to a colourful start with the Varghodo procession of all gods on the evening of 12th July. The festivities started at the Sanatan Temple with more than 700 people participating in the event. The well decorated deities were all brought with reverence and piety to the chanting of appropriate hymns from the showroom and this signalled the beginning of the Karma Kutir Puja. This Puja is performed to atone for any lapses that could have occurred while the idols were being sculpted and during the entire process of their creation. As the sculptors breathed life into the statues they could have given a degree of pain to the deities. The Puja is performed in this bhava seeking forgiveness of the all merciful gods. Statues of Ganapati, Parvati, Dattatrey, Ganga Ma, Shivalinga and Lord Hanuman were placed in their appropriate places and puja offered to them by going through the various rituals mentioned in our scriptures in a spirit of devotion and humility. The gods were then taken in a procession which passed many temples in Kisumu enroute like the Jalaram Temple and Brahma Samaj. It was a wonderful sight to see the idols wending their way till they reached the main venue to the accompaniment of bhajans which were rendered by enthusiastic performers from ISCKON and Sanatan Hindu Union Temple. After this Prasad was distributed to all the participants and it was indeed a lively start to the grand proceedings slated for the next three days.
The formal installation function began on the morning of 13th July with a grand puja to lord Ganesha, remover of obstacles . This was followed by puja to all other deities. These rituals were spread over the whole day. The sacrificial fire, a very important component in the Vedic rituals is accorded a prime position in all yagnas. Agni Sthapan, a special ritual invoking the fire god to ignite the sacrificial fire for various other rituals was the highlight of the day. This yagna ended with the traditional arati or waving of lights to all deities.
The next day the 14th of July began with a puja offered to lord Ganesh and other deities. The day began with the Sthapan vidhi where the gods were bathed by the assembled purohits or Vedic priests with waters of all the sacred rivers of India, flown specially for the occasion. Along with the waters, the deities were also bathed with other natural resources like grains, flowers, milk, honey etc. It was certainly a heavenly sight to see the deities dressed in finery with new clothes. They were then offered a special bed to repose which was decorated and filled with sweet scented flowers of every hue, grains, fruits along with soft pillows and silken drapes . This ritual known as Shayavidhi was observed with tenderness and love by the performer in a spirit of devotion. It being a Sunday, the event was well attended with all the dignitaries of the town present at the venue. Committee members of the Hindu Council of Kenya graced the occasion. Nitin Malde, the national secretary, Kamal Pattni, the national treasurer and committee members, Sathwinder Sian and Jayendra Malde were some of the prominent personalities from HCK to attend the event. Sri Bharat Bhai Thacker, Secretary of Shrivedant Foundation attended the function on two days along with his wife. Others who were present were Ramji Pandey of WHO, who is the pracharak of a Shaka in Nairobi, Radhupati Shetty, chairman of Swami Vivekananda 150th birth centenary committee in Nairobi, committee members of HCK, Kisumu branch, trustees of Hindu Sanatan Union, chairman of Visha Oshwal, ISKCON, Patel Samaj and many other office bearers of various communities. Sri Kamal Shah invited all the dignitaries to perform the yagna rituals themselves so that they could partake of the blessings directly.
The installation of the deities was held on the fourth day. Sri Kamal Shah and Vaishali Shah offered a seat of gold and placed all the deities there and performed the main puja to lord Shiva after formal installation. All the assembled devotees chanted the lord’s name continuously and offered prayers throughout the function thus conferring blessings on the family of Kamal Shah. Prasad was served from noon to evening on all the three days of the event. The temple, christened with a new name Kamleshwar Mahadev Shiv temple, adds another glorious chapter in the spiritual calendar of Kenya.
ONLINE COURSES ON HINDUISM LAUNCHED
Shrivedant Foundation, a registered non-profit foundation in Kenya has launched a set of unique online courses that helps one lead a Vedic Hindu lifestyle anywhere in the world. The foundation has introduced courses on Hindu culture and lifestyle in three levels, catering to children as well as adults. Each level has a set of four books making the entire course material span twelve books in all. The material is designed in such a way that the student understands the core elements of a Vedic lifestyle, gradually growing in understanding the vast tenets of Hinduism, becoming aware of every aspect of Hindu culture and tradition.
Ms. Vaishali Shah, Founder-Director of Shrivedant Foundation has designed the courses after researching the content relating to Indian scriptures and Indian culture for over fifteen years. Deccan College a deemed University from Pune, India has validated the content in the course materials.
The books are written in a simple, lucid style making them interesting. The courses can be taken online through the website http://www.hinduculturestudies.com. Once the student registers online, they will gain access to the course material, and they can submit completed assignments over email. Their responses will then be checked by experts and upon course completion, a certificate will be awarded. The book-set is available on Amazon.
The course material is based on four pillars namely, Living Vedic Traditions, Inside India, Ancient Indian Sciences and Indian Scriptures.
What are the reasons behind the various customs that we follow? The significance of various customs which transform our lives like ringing a temple bell or breaking a coconut in a temple are all well explained in the books titled Living Vedic Traditions. Tourist spots with important historical value and places of worship are found throughout India. India is dotted with such amazing landmarks of history and ancient times and the set of books that explores this is titled Inside India. Indians were ahead in every sphere of activity ranging from astronomy and ayurveda to architecture. Students learn about India’s contribution to the world in these books on Ancient Indian Sciences. What are our Scriptures? How were they created? What is their relevance today? Are Indians a passive lot accepting everything as their karma or does this concept put the onus on us to lead a morally and spiritually uplifting life? All these are answered in the books on Indian Scriptures.
The content is enriched with inspiring stories, anecdotes, interesting games and innovative puzzles based on the themes of the various chapters. The assignments given at the end of every chapter actually brings the student closer to this lifestyle and makes him do many exercises in his or her day-to-day activities.
About the Founder-Director
Vaishali Shah, Founder Director of Shrivedant Foundation has been spearheading the cause of Hindu culture and tradition. She is the winner of Hind Rattan Award, Mahatma Gandhi Pravasi Sanman in the House of Lords in London and Nav Rattan Award. She is associated with various local as well as international organizations working towards peace, interfaith understanding, while spreading the true message outlined in Indian scriptures.
source: https://www.indiacurrents.com/online-courses-hinduism-launched/
SHRIVEDANT FOUNDATION-SPREADING HINDU DHARMA IN KENYA
BY ESHADOOT NEWS –
Shrivedant Foundation, a registered non- profit foundation in Kenya has developed a unique course material to help Indians and others to lead a Vedic Hindu lifestyle living in any parts of the world. The Foundation has introduced Courses on Hindu Culture and Lifestyle in three levels – Basic, Intermediate and Advance catering to children as well as adults. Each level has a set of 4 books making it 12 books in all. The material is designed in such a way that the student understands the elements of Vedic lifestyle and gradually grows in the same path, becoming aware of every aspect of Hindu culture and traditions.
Ms. Vaishali Shah, Founder Director of Shrivedant Foundation has designed the courses after researching the content relating to Indian scriptures and Indian culture for a long time. Deccan College Deemed University, Pune, India has validated the content which has been supported by a research team from Pune.
The books are written in a simple, lucid style making them interesting for students and readers alike anywhere in the world. The Course can be taken online from anywhere in the world as it is delivered through their website http://www.hinduculturestudies.com. Once the student register online, they will gain access to the course material. After completing the course, students should submit the assignments through email which will be checked by experts in our panel and upon completion, a Certificate from Shrivedant Foundation will be awarded to them.
The course book-set is available on various online stores like http://www.amazon.com and http://www.amazon.in. One can buy the books for self-study and can appear for the exams online and obtain the certificate from the foundation.
The course material is based on four pillars namely, Living Vedic Traditions, Inside India, Ancient Indian Sciences and Indian Scriptures.
What are the reasons behind the various customs that we follow? The significance of various customs which transforms every ordinary chore into a lofty offering, seemingly routine activities like ringing a bell or breaking a coconut in a temple are all well explained in the books titled Living Vedic Traditions. We celebrate diversity, we celebrate plurality, we wait for an occasion to express our joy through some festival or the other. These are established practices that have been embedded into our lives not just for our wellbeing but also for the well being of the whole world.
There is so much to see and explore in India, there are places that remind you of eras gone by. Magnificent temples, opulent palaces, stately forts or castles, various places of worship, abodes of our Gods – our country is dotted with such amazing landmarks of history and ancient times and these set of books titled Inside India bring alive the wonder that is India.
Indians were ahead in every sphere of activity ranging from astronomy and Ayurveda to architecture. Students learn about India’s contribution to the world in these books on Ancient Indian Sciences.
What are our Scriptures? How were they created? What is their relevance today? Are Indians a passive lot accepting everything as their karma or does this concept put the onus on us to lead a morally and spiritually uplifting life? All these are answered in the books on Indian Scriptures.
For more info contact www.indianscriptures.com
This article was featured in http://eshadoot.com/2017/04/08/shrivedant-foundation-spreading-hindu-dharma-kenya/
SHRIVEDANT FOUNDATION PROVIDING COURSES ON HINDU CULTURE AND LIFESTYLE
Shrivedant Foundation, a registered non- profit foundation in Kenya has developed a unique course material to help Indians and others to lead a Vedic Hindu lifestyle living in any parts of the world. The Foundation has introduced Courses on Hindu Culture and Lifestyle in three levels – Basic, Intermediate and Advance catering to children as well as adults. Each level has a set of 4 books making it 12 books in all. The material is designed in such a way that the student understands the elements of Vedic lifestyle and gradually grows in the same path, becoming aware of every aspect of Hindu culture and traditions.
Ms. Vaishali Shah, Founder Director of Shrivedant Foundation has designed the courses after researching the content relating to Indian scriptures and Indian culture for a long time. Deccan College Deemed University, Pune, India has validated the content which has been supported by a research team from Pune.
The books are written in a simple, lucid style making them interesting for students and readers alike anywhere in the world. The Course can be taken online from anywhere in the world as it is delivered through our website. Once the student register online, they will gain access to the course material. After completing the course, students should submit the assignments throughemail which will be checked by experts in our panel and upon completion, a Certificate from Shrivedant Foundation will be awarded to them.
The course book-set is available on various online stores. One can buy the books for self-study and can appear for the exams online and obtain the certificate from the foundation. The course material is based on four pillars namely, Living Vedic Traditions, Inside India, Ancient Indian Sciences and Indian Scriptures.
What are the reasons behind the various customs that we follow? The significance of various customs which transforms every ordinary chore into a lofty offering, seemingly routine activities like ringing a bell or breaking a coconut in a temple are all well explained in the books titled Living Vedic Traditions. We celebrate diversity, we celebrate plurality, we wait for an occasion to express our joy through some festival or the other. These are established practices that have been embedded into our lives not just for our well being but also for the well being of the whole world.
There is so much to see and explore in India, there are places that remind you of eras gone by. Magnificent temples, opulent palaces, stately forts or castles, various places of worship, abodes of our Gods – our country is dotted with such amazing landmarks of history and ancient times and these set of books titled Inside India bring alive the wonder that is India. Indians were ahead in every sphere of activity ranging from astronomy and ayurveda to architecture. Students learn about India’s contribution to the world in these books on Ancient Indian Sciences.
What are our Scriptures? How were they created? What is their relevance today? Are Indians a passive lot accepting everything as their karma or does this concept put the onus on us to lead a morally and spiritually uplifting life? All these are answered in the books on Indian Scriptures.
The content is enriched with inspiring stories, impactful anecdotes, interesting games and innovative puzzles based on the themes of the various chapters. The assignments given at the end of every chapter actually brings the student closer to this lifestyle and makes him do many exercises practically.
Source: http://www.theindiapost.com/articles/shrivedant-foundation-providing-courses-hindu-culture-lifestyle/
HINDU SHIVA TEMPLE IN WESTERN KENYA, WHERE SEEKERS PETITION GOD TO FULFILL WISHES
Kamal Shah and Vaishali Shah at KMT.
Kamleshwar Mahadev Temple (KMT) in Kibigori in Kisumu County of western Kenya reportedly attracts many devoted seekers who visit this Hindu temple to pray to Almighty to fulfill their wishes.
Many specially come to this remote open-to-all Hindu temple from far-flung areas to seek blessings when starting a new project/venture or there is new addition in the family, and participate in various pujas conducted to honor Lord Shiva, reports suggest.
This Temple was launched in 2013 by Kamal Shah and Vaishali Shah of Shrivedant Foundation on the site of about 100-years old Lord Shiva temple. The “old temple was extremely powerful in terms of vibration”, indicates Vaishali. KMT houses consecrated murtis (statues) of Hindu deities Ganapati, Hanuman, Parvati, Dattatrey, Ganga Ma, besides Shivalinga; which were handcrafted by master artisans of Jaipur (India).
It organizes annual Patotsav Festival in July, when “the energy of the temple is recharged amidst traditional rituals”. Annual Maharadurabhishek prayers in Shravan month attract the largest number of devotees.
Meanwhile, distinguished Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, in a statement in Nevada (USA) today, commended efforts of temple leaders and area community towards realizing this Hindu temple.
Rajan Zed, who is President of Universal Society of Hinduism, further said that it was important to pass on Hindu spirituality, concepts and traditions to coming generations amidst so many distractions in the consumerist society and hoped that this Temple would help in this direction. Zed stressed that instead of running after materialism; we should focus on inner search and realization of Self and work towards achieving moksh (liberation), which was the goal of Hinduism.
Besides worship services; KMT, backed by the Foundation, also reportedly organizes polio vaccination drive, dental camp, community lunches, annual Mahashivratri festival, food service for over 400 needy kids of the area every week, medical camps, distribution of household goods to area people, seed donations, training locals on vegetable farming and tree-plantation, vegetarianism promotion, etc.
KMT plans to erect an attractive garden around it and to organize eye camps complete with cataract surgeries. It is stated that Temple opens daily for 11 hours, and a priest resides at the Temple to help the seekers. Hinduism, oldest and third largest religion of the world, has about one billion adherents.
This news item regarding Kamleshwar Mahadev Temple of the Shrivedant Foundation has been featured on the following news sites.
http://263chat.com/2017/02/hindu-shiva-temple-western-kenya-seekers-petition-god-fulfill-wishes/
http://www.theindiapost.com/world/kamleshwar-mahadev-temple/
http://www.babushahi.com/world-news.php?=56373http://
http://hindupad.com/shiva-temple-western-kenya-seekers-petition-god-fulfill-wishes/
http://currentriggers.com/world/kenya-shiva-temple/
http://www.coastweek.com/4008-culture-01.htm
SHRIVEDANT FOUNDATION FEATURED IN KENYA NEWSPAPERS
Shrivedant foundation has restored hope to many
More than 400 needy children drawn from Kibigori area, Muhoroni in Kisumu County line up for what they like most, a sumptuous meal and sweets every lunch time provided by Shrivedant Foundation. The Foundation built the original Kamleshwar Mahadev Temple, Kibigori more than 100 years ago before the facility was transformed into a modern shrine in July 2013 but has since become a blessing to hundreds of children from poor families. Vaishali Shah, the chairperson, Shrivedant Foundation said the motivating reasons that informed establishment of the Hindu temple in the remote part of the County has now turned the shrine into a beacon of hope for the many children and families through the feeding programme.
Shah said the Hindu community felt compelled to be part and parcel of the expansive Western Kenya community but with focus on the less fortunate in society who could hardly afford three square meals a day. “We wanted to do something unique as the Shrivedant Foundation which is a family trust set up by myself and my husband resolved to add value to the lives of local residents, particularly children”, she confided.
The foundation also conducts medical camps; donates household utilities alongside the feeding programme which has become popular with the children and other stakeholders who are already considering taking up other roles for the common good. Shah said they also give seed donations, train local residents on vegetable farming and tree planting even as Shrivedant Foundation spearheads the unique Kenya Vegetarian club that has attracted many people who don’t eat meat, fish and other related products.
The chairperson commended Kisumu Governor, Jack Ranguma and County Commissioner, John Elung’ata for their unwavering support including security to the facility and children amidst the expansive sugarcane plantation. Shah revealed that the foundation has a major development agenda for the area with the sole aim of creating employment and wealth for the local community with a view to transform their economic status. “We plan to build shops for medical and household goods to enable our people access quality services like health, education, water as part of our commitment to service to humanity”, she explained.
By Joseph Ouma
Source: http://kenyanewsagency.go.ke/en/shrivedant-foundation-has-restored-hope-to-many/
GHANA MAGAZINE FEATURES KVC
Kenya Vegetarian Club got featured in one of the reputed magazines in Ghana. It highlighted the work we do in the field of Vegetable Farming and Vegetarianism. It is truly my pleasure to associate with the team who also featured some of my articles about the effect of meat production on the environment.